The walls come tumbling down

[gg5]

I’ve recently completed a project where there was an error in the size allotted for window openings. Needles to say the windows didn’t fit, and all fingers pointed to me. Unfortunately the elevations had indicated the wrong window size, and the section indicated the correct window size. My drawings were wrong.

Besides feeling incredibly bad and trying to make amends were I could, it led me to think how much liability architects are really responsible for. All decision filters through us, everything drawn, chosen, or specified is our responsibility. Every Site Condition existing or new is our responsibility. Times usually three to four projects going on simultaneously, is a lot to bear.

When a mistake happens, the walls come tumbling down. Why do we do this to ourselves and how do you deal with it when mistakes happen.

[gg5]

Thanks for the advice, and kind words.

Beyond the various logistical methods of protecting yourself from errors and omissions, it is also clearly important to mentally protect yourself, by not blaming yourself. Many times easier said then done.

[Stella]

GG5 did you get in trouble? how do they punish architects?

[gg5]

Not really “in trouble”, and in fact it didn’t get to the point were any insurance or legal professions were involved.

Correcting the error required a bit of redesign and additional construction but all in all, things worked out.

The trouble that I did get in was “loss of faith” by my client, combined with my questioning my own abilities to insure a quality product/design without error. Again, maintaining a belief in your abilities is so important when making decisions not being able to do it, or being afraid to make decisions for fear of error can mean the end of your practice.

I have a lot of respect for Architects that have been in the business for long periods of time.

[pbacot]

[Unfortunately the elevations had indicated the wrong window size, and the section indicated the correct window size. My drawings were wrong]

Your mention of the drawings and questions about pratical methodology (the insurance and contractual methods are very important of course).. lead me to wonder how you organize your drawings.

I may be unfamiliar with the type of construction you are doing and the standards in your area. Here, we try to note such things only once. Certain types of buildings may require the width of an opening to be described by dimensions on plan, but common windows are called out in schedules as a particular size, either a nomimal size, actual size, or specific product designation of the window unit--usually NOT the required opening.

As for the size of openings in wood frame construction, we find this to be the responsibility of the contractor. We can give the size as simply as 3050 in plan, the clearance to framing in the detail and that's all. The contractor orders the windows and consults the manufacturer's data for actual size the openings need to be. We are also cautious in approving shop drawings--our review is always subject to final justification in the field by the contractor.

In storefront and curtain wall design there are other considerations but showing the information , especially of dimension or SIZES, ONLY ONCE in drawings (and within a discreet system like a schedule) helps control conflicts.

Could it be you tried to tell the builders too much and might better have let them figure and double-check for themselves? Of course you need to know how big the windows will be within the tolerances of your project and the wall has to be big enough to fit them in!

Spacing and detailing can get you into trouble too. We've had cases where the contractor did not follow or understand the layout. then we found the mullions were getting too wide and the shear walls too narrow.

Drawings won't be perfect. While doing as complete a job as you can, it's best if the documents are "transparent" so that the builders and others see what the intent and design procedure is and are able to check it out for themselves.

Sorry to ramble. Good luck and thanks for your thoughtful comments.[/quote]

[RWL]

All of the adice in the other replies is sound and good. I can suggest further that you use a checklist which shows what needs to be shown on each drawings. Use this list on every sheet of every project to ensure that you cover the required information.

Also, you might list information where it is BEST shown, and not everywhere it "can be" shown. Contractors come to expect information to be in certain locations, so matching their expectations is not all bad. Just don't try to be creative with locating yur iformation.

One response noted that showing information once is best, which is true-- BUT you must be sure you get it there once! Worst that conflicting information is none at all!

[BillyGrey]

Hi,

I am sorry for your situation, and can only offer this suggestion.

I do not know what methodology you employ when you produce CD's, I can only tell you that a Building Information Modelling software package can ease errors associated with documentation. Preferably, one that schedules associated data, like windows, doors, etc. This way, cross check errors, and the burden of validation, is greatly eased, as there can only be one window in your model, in any given rough opening, and this should reflect real time with any view you produce, or schedule you generate.

hth

Bill